The Good Old Black Lake...8 years later

Shadow turned her head to look at Natalie before nodding slightly.

"Do you think you could take a potion...it will help you to heal..." said Natalie softly.

"How do you feel?" Holly asked instantly.

Shadow looked blankly at Natalie.

Holly looked at Natalie expectantly.

Natalie took the lid off the bottle.

She put it to Shadow's lips.
She tipped the bottle slightly.

"Drink this...it will help you remember..." said Natalie.

Shadow managed to swallow a little before it caught in her throat, causing her to cough.

"Its not dangerous is it?" Holly asked, feeling responsible to protect Shadow in this situation.

Natalie took the bottle away...

"That's enough for now...it will take time for you to recognise us again...so if you don't right now...know that we do not wish to hurt you...we are here to heal you and care for you...nothing more...until you remember..." explained Natalie, in a soft voice, as though she were talking to a child.

Shadow looked at Natalie with wide eyes, afraid.

"No need to be afraid...we are not doctors...we are not shrinks...you don't need any of that...you just need care..." said Natalie softly.

Shadow nodded slowly.

"Would you like something to drink? Tea?" Natalie asked.

Shadow shook her head, eyes closing again.

"She doesnt recognize us?" Holly repeated, "Are you sure?"

"Ok...come on guys...she needs rest..." said Natalie, conjuring a blanket and putting it over Shadow.

She walked the others out of the room.

"Ok...I think we need to contact her children...and tell them we've got her and she's safe..."
said Natalie.

Holly glanced back.
"Can I sleep in there?" she asked, "Please? I dont wanna leave her 'case she wakes up and doesnt know where she is ..."

Shadow gingerly got to her feet, stumbling until she got her balance again. She snarled silently in pain before looking around.

Holly heard footsteps and darted back into the room.
"Shadow!" she said, surprised, "Sit down!"

Not what she MEANT to say, but there you go.

Natalie looked at Holly pointedly.

"We'll stay with her...but Holly...will you contact her kids please..." sighed Natalie.

She looked at Shadow.
She put a hand out.

"It's ok...take my hand...I'll help you..." said Natalie.

Shadow looked at Natalie in fear as a midnight blue magic envelopped Shadow.

Holly stood back a little.
"Dont be scared!" she said to Shadow, "Dont you know us ... Holly? No?"

Natalie frowned.

"There is a deep magic blocking those memories Holly...we need a deeper magic to penetrate that..." sighed Natalie, sitting down on the sofa and looking at Shadow with sadness, "her mental and emotional state is shattered..."

The magic faded from around Shadow to leave a small girl in her place. Meran happened to be a master of depayed reaction spells, and had managed to place a rejouvenance spell on Shadow. She still looked just as scared as she watched the two older girls through five year old eyes.

"What's happening?" Holly asked, gobsmacked and staring at Shadow.